Study:

GLENDALE — Putting the chronically homeless into permanent housing with support services actually saves tax dollars in the long run, according to a study released this week by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

The study, commissioned by the United Way and conducted by researchers at the USC Center for Community Health Studies at the Keck School of Medicine and Housing Works, followed four previously homeless people who had been placed in permanent supportive housing programs, which provided subsidized housing as well as case-management services.

The study found that in the two years prior to being placed in the housing program, the four people had cost the county more than $80,000 more in emergency room visits, jail time and other costs than was spent during their two years in the housing program.

“So we know that the solution is far more cost effective than doing nothing essentially and leaving people on our streets,” said Christine Marge, a United Way program officer.

Natalie Profant Komuro, executive director of PATH Achieve Glendale, the city’s largest homeless services provider, said she was thrilled by the study results, which underscored the importance of funding programs that help people get off the streets and live more productive lives.

“I think there is a common perception that we aren’t spending any money on people because we are leaving them on the streets,” she said. “There are very really hidden costs to perpetuating homelessness.”

The number of homeless people counted on the streets of Glendale increased 5% during the past two years, according to a report in April.

PATH Achieve Glendale currently operates eight units of permanent supportive housing and provides case management for about 40 clients living in other subsidized housing units.

Chronically homeless individuals — defined as people who have been on the streets for a year or more who suffer from health or mental health issues or a drug or alcohol addiction — are the most stereotyped of the homeless population, Profant Komuro said.

“In stereotyping, I think people will distance themselves from the reality,” she said. “The reality is these folks are people who have a lot of illnesses.”

PATH Achieve submitted a $1.8-million funding application last year to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to create a 24-hour “First Step” shelter specifically targeting chronic transients, but it was eventually denied on the grounds that it didn’t fit into preferred family-oriented models.

The United Way study found that the supportive housing programs were successful in greatly improving physical and mental health and increasing social engagement, resulting in an improved quality of life.

“I think the critical feature here is they are housing programs which do cost money,” Profant Komuro said. “But they ultimately benefit our community and our society in very tangible ways. The people that we serve are able to live much more productive lives.”

Marge and Profant Komuro urged residents to take part in the Nov. 7 HomeWalk, a 5K homeless services fundraising event. For more information, visit www.homewalkla.org.